New Aerial Camera System for Civil Protection

21 March 2017

The new 4k camera system is installed on the landing skid of the research helicopter. It is used to record, immediately process, and analyse aerial images.

On 16 March a new 4k camera system with real-time capability developed by the Remote Sensing Technology Institute went aloft for the first time on DLR’s Eurocopter EC 135 research helicopter and is now ready for use. The system provides high-resolution aerial images and is capable of processing and analysing them within seconds. Products like situational awareness overviews, traffic data, and surface models are derived from the aerial images and then transmitted to ground with a data link. From there they are immediately made available to decision makers in public offices and organisations responsible for safety in connection with mass events and disasters.

Similar systems are already being employed in the VABENE++ research project. The previous model of this helicopter system has been operated since 2014 on DLR’s own BO 105 helicopter and has proved its value in numerous assignments such as the disaster management drills conducted by the Federal Agency for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance and by the Bavarian Red Cross. Since it has been given general approval for use on EC135 helicopters, the system can be mounted on the civil protection helicopters of the German government to support the federal and state (Länder) authorities, as needed.

EOC staff work closely together in the VABENE++ project to implement the latest developments rapidly and efficiently.